Canada's NDP

Skip to main content

March 22nd, 2019

NDP Calls on the Liberals to Increase the International Assistance Envelope

OTTAWA - Regardless of the additional funding designated for humanitarian and development assistance tabled in the 2018 and 2019 budgets, Canada’s official development assistance continues to be the lowest in history, stalled at less than half of the United Nations target percentage of GNI, which Canada committed to almost 50 years ago.

“We join the many Canadians expressing disappointment that yet another Liberal budget has failed to deliver our fair share of international assistance,” said NDP Critic for International Development Linda Duncan.

The world is facing many crises where Canada can act and provide international assistance. For example, Cyclone Idai has devastated Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, leaving hundreds of thousands stranded without access to food, drinking water, or shelter, and causing a growing threat of widespread cholera. This disaster has also undone any initial measures undertaken to adapt to and reduce damage from climate change in the region.

At a time when 24 million Yemeni, half of which are children, and almost a million Rohingya need humanitarian assistance and protection, Canada needs to step up and respond to their cry for help.

“These are the situations that call on Canada to contribute more to make sure that the rights of women and girls are protected throughout a crisis,” said NDP Critic for International Human Rights Cheryl Hardcastle.